Accessories

47Ronin watch straps: Where smartwatch meets Japanese art

Bridging heritage and modern technology

Published

August 1, 2020

MJ Jucutan

Japan and its culture have drawn people like moth to a flame. It’s incandescently captivating, irresistible, magnetizing. One even embraces and allows it to seep into their lives.

That’s what happened to Tong Cheuk Fung, a Hong-Kong born, Singaporean watch strap artist whose humble beginnings started in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.

Living in Japan made Tong love its crafts and culture, giving birth to 47Ronin — Tong’s very own watch strap brand designed and handcrafted by marrying horology, smartwatches, and Japanese art.

Japanese art on your wrists

47Ronin’s name traces back to a chronicle from over 300 years ago, where 47 Ronins — free-roaming Samurais without a master — exhibited bravado and loyalty through vengeance against the injustice committed to their late master.

The watch straps embody this tale to its designs, catering to a certain niche resembling Ronins; free-spirited individuals leading a life according to their own philosophy.

With pieces made and sourced from Japan, 47Ronin wraps the country’s history and beauty on people’s wrists through its watch straps. Most of its pieces were made from exotic materials such as leather, Kimono textile, and Katana elements — all sourced from Japan.

Where future meets history

Traditional crafts are declining; handcrafted straps are already considered a sunset industry. The advent of futuristic wearables made the younger generation prefer minimalist and sleek designs by the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Google.

For the fashion-oriented, hybrid smartwatches are the favored statement often sold by designer brands such as Fossil, Michael Kors, Frédérique Constant, and Skagen.

Yet even with a decline in demand and appreciation, 47Ronin perseveres to preserve the craftsman’s spirit and its culture. The brand cultivated designs that work with analog timepieces and smartwatches, putting the attention to the strap rather than the technology.

The traditional craft’s heritage lives on as 47Ronin forges its historic design into modern wristwatches. The Japanese-inspired Singaporean brand worked with technology companies like Mobvoi and produced bespoke designs for Apple watches.

Personalized, artisanal straps

Since 47Ronin’s watch straps are handcrafted by Tong himself, ordered pieces are instilled with the artist’s creative thoughts, and tailored to the customer’s wrist and watch’s components.

The Singaporean brand houses multiple collections, too, where customers can pick a design that resonates with their personality.

Most designs retail above US$ 200, entailing a personalized process — communicating to customize the lug width, length, and thickness, and sourcing rare materials — for four weeks and up to two months.

47Ronin certainly pushes itself as an exemplar of art rather than an accessory, creating a unique proposition among leather watch straps.

A heart for the environment and people

Nowadays, sustainability becomes an integral part of a business. 47Ronin partakes in the fight to a sustainable future through its up-cycling program.

The watch strap maker retrieves damaged watch straps and buckets to repair it, preserving an artisanal watch straps’ life. Old watch straps and buckles are also retrieved and reused to create new products.

Moreover, 47Ronin collaborated with 20 local watchmakers in Singapore as a means to lift each other up, as businesses and online sales have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Shop custom, artisanal watch straps at 47Ronin’s online store with free worldwide shipping.

Accessories

CASETiFY relaunches Evangelion collab for 30th anniversary

Fans can now customize their own NERV-ready cases

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

The A.T. Field is activated. To mark 30 years of Neon Genesis Evangelion, CASETiFY has relaunched its highly popular Evangelion collaboration. This time, fans control the sync rate.

For the first time, buyers can fully customize their Evangelion cases. The drop lets fans mix and match NERV logos, the 4th Angel, character art featuring Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami, and bold background graphics. The result is a case that feels like a personal unit build, straight out of the series’ control room.

The lineup pulls directly from Evangelion iconography. Designs include classic NERV insignias, holographic “A.T. Field” defense graphics, “Active Time Limit” warnings, and the official 30th Anniversary emblem. Each case uses CASETiFY’s signature impact protection, turning your device into a pocket-sized defensive barrier.

The collection goes beyond phone cases. Fans can also pick up matching AirPods cases, MagSafe wallets, watch bands, and laptop and tablet sleeves to complete their everyday tech setup.

Android users are included in the rollout. The collection supports devices like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S26 series, making it a timely drop for those looking to suit up their latest flagship.

The Evangelion collection is now available via the official CASETiFY website.

Accessories

CASETiFY launches Samsung Galaxy S26 collection

Galaxy S26 cases go bold

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

CASETiFY has unveiled its full lineup of cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26, timed with the flagship’s global debut.

The new collection blends protection with personalization. Users can customize cases with photos and text or choose from bold, artistic prints across multiple case styles. The lineup also includes phone charms, body straps, magnetic accessories, screen protectors, and camera lens covers built specifically for the Galaxy S26.

Orders opened on February 25, 2026 via CASETiFY’s website.

Built for protection and everyday use

Leading the lineup is the Impact Ring Stand Magnetic Case ($85). It features a lifted camera ring with a built-in stand that adjusts from 0 to 150 degrees for hands-free viewing. The case carries 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, EcoShock cushioning, and CASETiFY’s Duo-Lock bonding system. It also supports wireless charging and magnetic accessories.

The Impact Magnetic Case ($70) increases drop protection to 8.2 feet with 4x MIL-STD-810G certification. It adds side sockets for charms and a raised bezel for screen protection.

For those who prefer a transparent look, the Impact Clear Magnetic Case ($70) focuses on long-lasting clarity and anti-yellowing materials. It offers 6.6-foot drop protection and 3x MIL-STD-810G certification.

Slim, glossy, and grip-focused options

The Mirror Magnetic Case ($70) adds reflective functionality with 4.9-foot drop protection, while the Compact Magnetic Case ($55) targets users who want a lightweight, slim profile with 4-foot drop protection.

The Glaze Magnetic Case ($70) stands out with a scratch-resistant glossy finish and anti-print peel-off technology, paired with mirror functionality and magnetic compatibility.

Rounding out the collection is the Force Case by CASETiFY ($55), designed for enhanced grip and durability. It delivers 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, Duo-Lock bonding, and full wireless charging support.

With multiple case styles and accessory options, CASETiFY’s Galaxy S26 collection gives users room to match their device to their personality without compromising protection.

Accessories

Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more

Smart, on-the-go products debut

Published

March 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Xiaomi has launched an entire slate of smart, on-the-go devices as part of their major first quarter ecosystem release.

These products, ranging from smartwatches to earbuds to smart home devices and electric scooters, were introduced alongside the flagship Xiaomi 17 series smartphones and Xiaomi Pad 8 series tablets.

All are now available in the Philippines. Here’s a quick rundown.

Xiaomi Watch 5

Price: PhP 18,999

The Xiaomi Watch 5 runs on Wear OS by Google. It has a large 1.54-inch display reinforced by strong sapphire glass.

The watch has a stainless steel middle frame, and a flagship dual-chipset design. Inside are the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and BES2800 low-power processor.

Users can leverage quick gestures with EMG, IMU, and PPG sensors for essential actions. Such can execute tasks like dismissing calls, silencing alarms, launching workouts, and more.

As usual, there are several sport modes, and advanced health monitoring features, which have been refined to deliver a better experience.

Redmi Buds 8 Pro

Price: PhP 3,999

The wearable leverages a 3-mic system with up to 12 m/s wind noise cancellation and up to 55dB ANC.

Inside are coaxial triple drivers for rich sound complemented by Dolby Audio. There are three color options: Obsidian Black, Cloud White, and Glacier Blue.

Users can enjoy up to 33 hours of playback along with its charging case.

As a quick addition, a Xiaomi Tag is available for PhP 899 for a single piece or PhP 2,799 for the four-pack.

This tool is compatible with Apple Find My or Google Android Find Hub, working within a user’s chosen OS ecosystem.